Jay, short for Jaynaya, has a background in Special Education where she taught as both a classroom teacher and music specialist across Foundation to Year 12. As a neurodivergent individual herself, Jay has always believed in creating safe, supportive and inclusive environments where learning is FUN! So naturally, when Jay was invited to join the Sounds Like This team, of course she jumped at the chance! 

Growing up undiagnosed, Jay was extremely shy and would sing and belt out ballads in her room or the shower. Overcome with anxiety, she wasn’t able to sing in front of anyone until she became a mum and started attending Sounds Like This with her then 6 month old daughter, and later, her son from about 2 weeks old. Not only were classes the highlight of her week and a safe space to engage with other families, they also enabled her to develop the confidence to sing out loud! ‘Life changing’ is an understatement! 

Inclusive education is Jay’s passion, not only because of her own experience with ‘school can’t’, meltdowns and challenging ‘behaviour’ as a child, but also as an advocate for her own children. No two children are the same, and with one child who is now thriving at home with an unschooling approach, and another loving school, Jay really does ‘get it’.

Over the years she has worked closely with a range of Allied Health professionals, and has advocated for countless students. She has also supported teachers to develop inclusive practices in a dedicated school leadership role, prior to becoming a home-schooling parent.

When she’s not teaching, singing or busy with mum life, Jay can be found crafting, bingeing tv shows or snuggling up with her therapy dogs, Milo and Nala.  Jay usually has a big beaming smile on her face and is covered from head to toe in bright colours: dopamine dressing!

As a music practitioner at Sounds Like This, Jay continues to advocate for inclusion and support educational professionals and families, all while bringing musical play to clever brains and having loads of fun doing it!